Which of the following is NOT a goal of effective listening?

Effective listening encompasses several important goals aimed at deeply understanding and engaging with the speaker, especially in therapeutic contexts. One of the key objectives is to ensure accurate comprehension of what the client is conveying. This includes not only hearing their words but also interpreting the emotions and meanings behind them.

Now, considering the other options, providing feedback is crucial in effective listening as it demonstrates attentiveness and allows the speaker to know they are being heard. Understanding client emotions is essential as it helps to build empathy and rapport, facilitating a stronger therapeutic relationship. Encouraging the speaker's viewpoint is a vital aspect of effective listening that fosters a safe environment where clients feel validated and understood.

Thus, the goal of hearing clients accurately is foundational to effective listening, rather than being an outcome that is excluded from the process.